varietal

Varietal is a term used in biology and agriculture to describe a plant variety or a wine produced predominantly from a single grape variety. In botany, a variety (varietas) is a naturally occurring population within a species that differs in heritable traits and remains stable across generations. The word varietal can function as an adjective describing anything related to a variety, or as a noun when referring to a specific variety. In taxonomy, varieties are ranks below the species level and may be designated by the abbreviation var. or by the name itself.

In winemaking, a varietal wine is produced mainly from a single grape variety, and its label typically reflects that variety. The practice is common in regions where grape identity is a key consumer cue. In the United States, a wine labeled with a grape name usually must derive a substantial majority of its fruit from that variety (often 75% or more). European standards vary by country and appellation rules. When multiple varieties are used without a clear majority, the wine is generally labeled as a blend rather than as a varietal.

Varietal characteristics refer to traits associated with a particular grape variety, including aroma, flavor, and texture profiles, though these are influenced by terroir and winemaking as well. Common examples of varietal wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, each named after the grape variety that predominates in the blend. The concept of varietal also appears in horticulture and agriculture to describe distinct cultivated forms within a species.